Administrative Support – American Spaces in Sri Lanka

Description

The U.S. Embassy Colombo, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce a funding opportunity through the Public Diplomacy grants program for support of American Spaces in Sri Lanka. There are three awards associated with this funding opportunity: Two support American Corner Kandy with 1) Administrative AND 2) programmatic support for American Corner Kandy; and One supports American Center Colombo with programmatic support. We seek a SINGLE grantee to implement all three awards (through a Cooperative Agreement; with significant Public Diplomacy Section input and assistance). The grantee would issue any necessary sub-awards or sub-grants to support the two American Spaces throughout the grant period. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for American Corner Kandy (ACK) between the Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Embassy Colombo and Kandy Municipal Council (KMC) the host institution is already in place. The MOU is not a legally binding document and outlines each party’s responsibilities under the partnership, to include the host institution’s contribution to the ACK. Per the MOU, the host institution provides the space/venue for the ACK free of charge. Background: American Spaces are cultural centers based in libraries and other institutions throughout Sri Lanka, providing resources and educational opportunities to their target audience, while also serving as gateways for their audience to learn about American society, culture, and values. American Spaces operate based on the global standards of the American Spaces program. These standards mandate that every American Space offer programming in six core areas: Information about the United States English Language Teaching and Learning EducationUSA Advising Cultural Programs Alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs Skills Building The American Spaces standards mandate that American Spaces maintain collections of books, magazines, databases, computer workstations, and an area for programs. All materials and programs at the American Spaces—to include internet access—must be free and open to the public. Project Audience: Primary target audience of American Space programming includes youth between 17 and 35 years old, particularly those with the potential and interest to become local or national leaders. The American Spaces seek to empower youth, and traditionally underrepresented communities including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. Project Goal: Bolster Sri Lankan civil society to promote democratic governance and respect for human rights; foster sustainable economic growth by building the capacity of the Sri Lankan workforce to meet market demand through education – including English language – and other skills development; enhance the leadership skills of youth through targeted initiatives. Project Objectives: The American Spaces program’s goal is to provide resources and programming in the following areas: Build U.S.-Sri Lanka friendship and regional stability: Increase Sri Lankan’s understanding of the United States, U.S. policy in the region, and the U.S. as an important and positive partner for Sri Lanka. Develop Future Leaders: Empower talented Sri Lanka youth to become leaders in their local community and nation; Promote peace, democracy, reconciliation, and human rights; Empower Youth: Enable young Sri Lankans to develop their skills in English language; in entrepreneurship; in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education; and in media literacy; and Empower Women: Enable young women to develop their skills and advocate for their interests, while also promoting women’s rights in the local community. Expected Activities: General and administrative support to the specified American Spaces: (one (1) in Kandy, and one (1) in Colombo), including providing staff to operate the American Corner Kandy (ACK). Please note: the recipient does not need to employ staff for American Center Colombo (ACC). American Spaces’ staff develop and implement PDS-approved programs, provide free, public access to American Spaces’ computers, programs and materials, conduct outreach to the local community, and maintain a positive relationship with the local government and other stakeholders. In addition, the recipient will be responsible, as requested, for the maintenance of the physical American Spaces structures as well as replacement or repair of equipment and furniture. Plan and execute programming in line with American Spaces Standards around the identified themes in the goal, in consultation with PDS Colombo. The recipient may be required to work alongside the current American Spaces implementer for a period of up to two months to ensure a smooth transition.

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